ExtraTime Radio Podcast
LISTEN: No matter whether you think it's a must-win or not, there's no doubt the stakes for the US national team's Friday night Hex match against Honduras are massive. The guys break down the Hex with Sebastian Lletget, get some inside info on Los Catrachos from a well-placed source and then turn to MLS to pass judgment on Bastian Schweinsteiger to the Fire and the open Real Salt Lake job. Subscribe so you don't miss a show!
Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
USMNT try to right WCQ ship
The long wait from November's World Cup qualifying disasters is finally over, as the US national team aims to get back on course for Russia 2018 against hexagonal guests Honduras on Friday night (10:30pm ET | FS1, UniMás). PREVIEW
With some regulars sidelined, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle tries to make tactical sense of how US boss Bruce Arena may approach this crucial contest. READ MORE
However, Seattle's Jordan Morris may need to be left out of that equation. ESPN's Jeff Carlisle reports that the speedster has yet to take part in full USMNT training this week and may be forced to sit out. READ MORE
Across the pitch, they'll have to keep an eye on a pair of up-and-coming MLSers, Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto of the Houston Dynamo. Our Ben Couch calls the Honduran forward pairing perhaps the biggest threat to the US' chances of reaching Russia in 2018.
Donovan puts (another) bow on career
After some speculation about stretching out last season's surprise return to MLS action, US national team legend Landon Donovan confirmed his (re-)retirement in an exclusive interview with Yahoo! Sports. He'll be part of the FS1 broadcast team covering the WCQ against Honduras. READ MORE
Perfect Portland invade Columbus
This weekend's limited MLS slate is headlined by an MLS Cup 2015 rematch in Columbus. Fresh off their first win of the term, the Crew will receive a visit from high-flying Portland on Saturday night (7:30pm ET | MLS LIVE). PREVIEW
Crew SC Homegrown defender Alex Crognale is coming off an admirable MLS debut that earned him a Team of the Week nod. The 22-year-old is hoping to prove himself further by slowing down a Timbers offense that has banked 10 goals through three rounds. READ MORE
Red Bulls host struggling RSL
The New York Red Bulls will try to get back to wining ways when they welcome Real Salt Lake for a Saturday afternoon contest (4pm ET | UniMás, facebook.com/univisiondeportes | MLS LIVE in Canada). It's typically been a happy fixture for the Red Bulls, who have a 5-1-3 home record against their winless weekend visitors. PREVIEW
Just because RSL are experiencing some early-season turbulence, that doesn't mean the Red Bulls will be taking them lightly. Bradley Wright-Phillips & Co. are fully expecting RSL to invade with something to prove in the wake of coach Jeff Cassar's removal. READ MORE
Revs, Loons chase first 'W'
A pair of winless clubs will clash at Gillete Stadium on Saturday afternoon when New England plays host to Minnesota United (2pm ET | MLS LIVE). PREVIEW
The Revolution attack, which has managed but one goal in their first two games of the season, will be taking aim at a familiar face. Loons netminder Bobby Shuttleworth, who was traded from New England just over a month ago, is expected to start in place of nicked regular John Alvbage. READ MORE
Alanta's Martinez injured playing for Venezuela
On Thursday night, Atlanta United strike ace Josef Martinez was forced off with a knock during Venezuela's 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw against Peru. After the match, Venezuela manager Rafael Dudamel stated that the forward would probably need about 10 days to recover from the setback. READ MORE
Not that it will soothe his injury woe, but Martinez did capture the AT&T MLS Goal of the Week prize on Thursday. READ MORE
Rochez grateful for second chance
Atlanta United swooped in to pick up Bryan Rochez after he was let go by Orlando City, and the young Honduras forward is aiming to show his appreciation for this second chance to come correct in MLS. READ MORE
Down on the farm
With USL action set to kick off this weekend, Will Parchman takes a look at the top prospects playing for second flight clubs directly affiliated with MLS teams. READ MORE
MLSsoccer.com Musts
The Extra Time Radio crew chats up Sebastian Lletget
With forward pool depleted, USMNT counting on Jozy Altidore
Sam Stejskal: Hot storylines for Week 4 MLS action
